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Masterful: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Masterful adjective. Powerful and commanding; used to taking control of others.
How to say it
MAH-stuh-ful/ˈmɑːstəfʊl/ · American /ˈmæstərfəl/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (MAH).
Masterful in a sentence
With one masterful wave of her hand, the conductor silenced the hall.
He had a masterful way of taking charge in a crisis.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- commanding
- authoritative
- domineering
- forceful
Opposite:
- meek
- submissive
Careful
Usage guides once kept masterful for domineering and masterly for highly skilled. 'A masterful performance' is accepted everywhere now, but masterly says 'skilled' with no hint of bossiness.
Where masterful comes from
From master and -ful; masterly, meaning skilful, grew up alongside it.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
He had a _____ way of taking charge in a crisis.
- pristine
- masterful
- inchoate
Show the answer
masterful: He had a masterful way of taking charge in a crisis.